
Kristin (149 KP) rated Devastation (Built on Fear, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
"Devastation" is set in 2032, and it follows a group of kids and a soldier as they try to escape from the war raging around them, a war between the U.S. and a very unlikely foe. Some of the children are related, and they are trying to save what little family they have left; others meet each other along the way and work to protect one another from the hazards of war, the elements, and just plain dehydration and exhaustion.
This book really pulled me in. As an American, I kept trying to put myself in the children's shoes, asking, "What would I do if this really happened?" (Answer: Probably die.) The opposing country is somewhat out of left field (for me anyway), but I think that really added to the story, just the simple fact that a country many Americans wouldn't dream of going to war with is attacking the U.S., and winning. Aside from that aspect, the relationships between the characters was very life-like, as they're just kids (the oldest is seventeen) trying to stay alive and help one another get to The Safe Zone in the South.
Meanwhile, we also get the perspective of a soldier from the opposing army, who is starting to wonder whether or not his side is right. His inner dilemma was very intriguing for me, as I know several soldiers who are overseas now, and they've often discussed feeling that dichotomy between what your country's asked of you and how you truly feel about the situation around you.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian stories, thrillers, action/adventure, and/or anybody who just wants to know who the other country is and why they've declared war against the U.S.!
5 stars, and I can't wait for "Isolation," the continuation of this dynamic story.

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Jun 19, 2019
Fantastic Beasts series. The film opens with Grinderlwald (Johnny Depp),
conducting an elaborate escape from custody which in turn starts off a
search to find him and bring him to justice.
After a few months of fruitless searching; the Ministry of Magic offers
Newt a chance to have his travel ban lifted if he will locate and
eliminate Grindelwald. Newt refuses especially since he would have to
join his brother’s division as an Orator and instead opts to travel to
Paris to help Jacob and Queeenie find Tina. Newt still has strong
feelings for Tina and is eager to resolve a misunderstanding which has
arisen.
At the same time, Grindelwald as well as forces from the Ministry are
eagerly trying to find Credence (Ezra Miller), who has become obsessed
with finding his mother.
To say there is a lot going on would be an understatement as I have not
even touched upon Dumbledore (Jude Law) and his conflicts with the
Ministry over his unwillingness to fight Grindlelwald and you can get a
sense of just how busy and at times convoluted the plot can be.
There are plenty of nice visuals and the cast works well with one another
but the film has a darker tone than the previous one and there are aspects
of the film which will appeal to the hardcore fans but will be lost by
newer or more casual fans.
The entire films plays more as a setup to the next chapter in the series
so aside from a few moments, there is little real resolution as most of
the film is simply setting up what is to be the focus of the remaining
films.
While it does entertain; it does seem to be better suited to the hardcore
versus the casual fan who might need more than the magical splendor it
offers.
http://sknr.net/2018/11/15/fantastic-beasts-the-crimes-of-grindlewald/

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Kristina (502 KP) rated Behind Closed Doors in Books
Dec 7, 2020

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